From memory, Cascade Hut is 9.5km from DHG. I once XC skiied 9km of it before staying overnight. Better falls have happened since - but they still won't get you to The Pilot wilderness without taking off the skis. The Pilot is accessed from The Cascade trail from about half-way to Tin-Mine huts.
The cover will probably be irregular and always unconsolidated, but may be enough to skate along the top.